An atheist organization is targeting a Christian sheriff in Lakeland, Florida for preaching at a church while wearing his uniform.
The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF), who routinely targets Christians for harassment and lawsuits, is claiming they received complaints from anonymous residents about Sheriff Grady Judd speaking to churches while in uniform.
“I was invited to this church, as I am to many churches and secular events, and you know what, the message was clear,” Judd told BayNews9. “The message was uplifting. The message talked about and bragged on how wonderful our community was.”
The FFRF took issue with the appearance, claiming that by wearing his uniform Judd is endorsing Christianity.
“Promoting your personal religion using a Polk County government title and uniform gives the unfortunate impression that the county supports and endorses the First Baptist Church on the Mall and its religious teachings,” the letter read.
“Giving this sermon in your official capacity, wearing your official uniform, unabashedly promotes this church and its religious views,” it continued. “You are excluding the nearly 30% of U.S. adults and the 30% of Florida adults who are non-Christian. This message alienates both non-Christians and nonbelievers in Polk County by turning them into political outsiders in their own community.”
Judd said he will not be intimidated by the atheists.
“Let me say this clearly and unequivocally: When people call the sheriff’s office and ask me to come speak, I’m going to come speak, [and] I’m going to wear my uniform,” he told reporters. “You can guarantee it.”